The Athletic FC Podcast

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia.After playing just seven minutes in Saudi Arabia and missing a ‘last dance’ with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi failed to feature in Hong Kong with the fallout still rumbling on.So why has Messi’s no-show caused geo-political tensions to rise and is the GOAT in danger of becoming a show pony in the final stages of his illustrious career?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio to analyse the episode as well as dissect the wider impact on the growth of MLS.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:‘A thuggish flamingo’: Why China turned on Lionel Messi - The AthleticHong Kong uproar, Messi injured and just one win: Inside Inter Miami’s Asian tour - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Ham’s 6-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend was the club’s worst home defeat in over 60 years… and the fans voted with their feet.Wins over Man United and Arsenal in December had seen supporters unite behind David Moyes.But a poor run of results have swiftly soured the mood at the London Stadium.So.. will Moyes bid farewell to the Hammers when his contract expires this summer, or can he turn things around?And what do West Ham’s owners - and more importantly the fans - really want for the club? Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:https://theathletic.com/5267036/2024/02/12/west-ham-david-moyes/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayern Munich are out of both domestic Cup competitions and were humbled by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side at the weekend.As pressure mounts ahead of their Champions League game at Lazio this week…Why are things not going as smoothly as usual for Bayern?And is it REALLY possible Kane could go another season without finally winning a title?Is Thomas Tuchel in trouble? And could Bayern potentially tempt Alonso this summer?Ayo Akinwolere is with the Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and England and Tottenham reporter Jack Pitt-Brooke.Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading: https://theathletic.com/5263314/2024/02/11/bayern-munich-thomas-tuchel-bayer-leverkusen/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United's 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday made it four consecutive wins for the first time this season, but what is the significance of that?Have Erik Ten Hag's side got a realistic shot at recovering their hopes of securing Champions League qualification, or is this latest run just the latest false dawn at Old Trafford ahead of a summer reset?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Man United writer Laurie Whitwell to discuss what's been behind the recent revival and how long it may be able to go on for.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:McTominay’s seven goals have earned Man United 12 points. What does it say about Ten Hag’s side? - The AthleticManchester United finally have ‘foundation’ to develop young players – Erik ten Hag - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview a bumper weekend of football ahead, including the Premier League as well as title matchups in Germany and Spain, and two international cup finals.The Premier League matchweek is headlined by fourth-place Villa welcoming eighth-place Manchester United to Villa Park. Both are chasing Champions League football, and Villa could open up an 11-point gap over the visitors.Elsewhere Manchester City welcome Everton hoping to extended their winning run to 10 games in all competitions, and Spurs head to Brighton in another eye-catching fixture.Saturday also sees the top two in Spain and Germany face off, with Jon MacKenzie filling us in on all the ramifications of Real Madrid vs Girona and Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich.And finally, both the Asian Cup and AFCON tournaments come to an end this weekend - we preview both finals.Further reading:https://theathletic.com/5243354/2024/02/07/fake-man-united-news-social-media/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Joey D’UrsoProducer: John Rogers***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After four weeks of showcasing what the continent has to offer, the Africa Cup of Nations is down to a final two.Hosts Ivory Coast play Nigeria in Sunday’s showpiece final in what has been the most thrilling AFCON in decades.But what’s made it so good? Has the on-pitch drama been matched by the eyeballs watching the tournament? And what does AFCON need to do off the pitch to match the success on it?Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender, and 2012 AFCON runner-up, Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris to discuss and debate what has made AFCON 2023 such a success.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:The story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe - The AthleticAFCON finally has African managers. But the rest of the world has not caught up - The Athletic***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City look unstoppable… Victory over Brentford on Monday was their ninth consecutive win across all competitions…Win all their games and Pep Guardiola’s side will be Champions But is their fourth Premier League title in a row already set in stone?Or are there enough flaws in this City team for the likes of Arsenal & Liverpool to believe?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s data expert & Man City fan Thom Harris, Manchester United writer Carl Anka… and representing Tottenham - it’s Charlie Eccleshare.Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:https://theathletic.com/5254392/2024/02/07/manchester-city-premier-league-title-liverpool-arsenal/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a heavy defeat at the weekend, home fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear..Less than a year on from the sacking of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea sit in the bottom half of the Premier League tableSo…. after spending so heavily on players over the past 19 months, what exactly is owner Todd Boehly’s plan for Chelsea?And where does this leave the Pochettino Project?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, who joins us fresh from attending Mauricio Pochettino’s press conference, and in the studio is Commissioning Editor for the Athletic - Dom Fifield. Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:https://theathletic.com/5252016/2024/02/06/chelsea-pochettino-eghbali-boehly-thiago/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_https://theathletic.com/5250288/2024/02/05/chelsea-pochettino-silva-boehly-clearlake-wolves/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having moved to within just two points of the top of the Premier League, are Arsenal serious contenders to win this season's Premier League?The Gunners saw of Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday in a must-win game for their title hopes as Mikel Arteta's side hope to go one better than last season.Join Ayo Akinwolere, James McNicholas and Oli Kay as they analyse Arsenal's win over table-toppers Liverpool before assessing the credibility of their title chances with champions Manchester City also waiting to take advantage with Pep Guardiola's side having games in hand on those above them.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:Arsenal bring back chaos football – and their title challenge feels stronger for it - The AthleticJorginho interview: Arsenal ‘energy’, no-hop penalties, love for Havertz, knowing strengths - The Athletic***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Bailey sits in for Adam Leventhal for another preview of the weekend ahead! Headlining the fixture list is Arsenal vs Liverpool - is it now or never for Arsenal to get back in the title race? Elsewhere a downturn in form has seen Everton drift into the relegation zone, but will Champions League-chasing Spurs pile on the misery at Goodison? And Manchester United's chaotic season continued midweek with a 4-3 win away to Wolves. Can they back it up this Sunday as they welcome West Ham?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Nnamdi OnyeagwaraProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.